Zimbabwe: A national protest calling for Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation resulted in a near-total shutdown on Sunday, as citizens chose to stay home amid a heavy security presence.
Despite appeals for mass demonstrations, only a small group of protesters took to the streets, only to be quickly dispersed by police.
The protest, spearheaded by a group of discontented war veterans, accused Mnangagwa of corruption and attempted to extend his grip on power.
Protest leader Blessed Geza, frustrated by the low turnout, urged Zimbabweans “not to be cowards” in a post on X. Videos circulating on social media showed police using tear gas to break up gatherings at President Robert Mugabe Square in Harare.
Businesses and schools across the country remained closed, and public transport was scarce, as many feared repercussions from authorities who had warned that protests would not be tolerated.
At the heart of the protests is speculation that Mnangagwa, whose second and final term is set to expire in 2028, is seeking to extend his presidency by two more years. Although Mnangagwa recently assured the public that he intends to step down in 2028, skepticism remains high.
Despite the subdued turnout, the protest highlighted mounting frustration over Mnangagwa’s leadership and the future of Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
